Pernambuco is a state in northeastern Brazil and is slightly larger than Portugal. As far as the population is concerned, the Brazilian state does not do much for Portugal. Pernambuco has a rich history and enormous cultural wealth. The Dutch ruled their colony from Pernambuco for a quarter of a century, after which the Portuguese settlers ruled Pernambuco again. The state also has a natural wealth, with savannahs, and some remains of the vast Atlantic jungle forest. When I was on my way to the neighboring state of Paraíba, we drove along this large lake. The still water seemed like a natural mirror, which showed a heavily cloudy sky.

The state of Pernambuco has a very varied landscape. Arid areas are alternated by rolling fresh-grown sugarcane fields, and palm plantations in the coastal region. When I was on my way from Belo Horizonte to João Pessoa, the capital of the neighboring state of Paraíba, Pernambuco was crossed. The drought had left its traces in the landscape: dry grasslands, with scattered groups of palm trees that are more resistant to drought. Two men rode on their cart through the sun-burnt landscape.

A bus trip in Brazil can be tiresome. Especially when you have to travel very long distances. In that respect, taking the plane is a better, but a much more expensive alternative. The hours seem to take longer on the bus when you drive in the dark. But during the day, you will notice that the time seems to go faster. You can enjoy the colorful and varied landscape for many hours, having a privileged look at the daily life along the highway. Especially when the bus has to go through villages and small towns, there is a lot to see. Like that time when my eye caught these three boys on a bike in an unknown village in the state of Pernambuco.

A flight is very fast, but you only have sight from high altitude, if there are no clouds below you, and if you do not have your seat next to the wing. Traveling by bus is very tiring – especially if you are on your way for a few days -, but you are rewarded with excellent views of breathtaking landscapes. Mountain landscapes, green hills, infinite sugar cane fields, long coastlines, vast plains, dry and bare fields, and many more. In addition, you can also enjoy the colorful sunrises and sunsets, like a sunset in Pernambuco, when I was on my way from João Pessoa (Paraíba) to Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais).

Pernambuco has a rich and colorful culture. Both Recife and Olinda are widely known for colorful carnival that attracts millions of visitors. Also well known is the frevo, which has a very interesting history. Late nineteenth century, two military bands participated in carnival parades. These bands were very competitive and tried to outdo each other by playing louder and faster. Some members of these orchestras drove the bystanders apart with capoeira movements and with knives, and soon these rough guys from both orchestras were fighting each other. These fights resulted in many injuries and even deaths. Eventually, the knives were replaced by little, colorful umbrellas, and capoeira movements were further refined to the typical frevo dance. The man in the picture sells the little umbrellas.

The city of Olinda, and particularly the colorful historic center, attracts many tourists. This center is well preserved, and is therefore included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The city was founded in 1535, and barely a century later it was looted and burned by the Dutch invaders. The rebuilt city was capital of Pernambuco for a long time. The tourists draw many craftsmen and artists to the center: you will see dozens of stalls with a broad range of manually crafted merchandise, and several musicians wandering around. This musician played and sang locally known songs, thereby attracting several dozen interested listeners.

Boa Viagem Beach in Recife is very popular among tourists. The enchanted beach is flanked by a wall of apartment towers and hotels, and there is an interesting outdoor market nearby, which attracts many visitors in the afternoon and evening. It’s a real pleasure to stroll past dozens of stalls full of local delicacies, handicrafts, art, and handmade trinkets. Also on the beach is much to see and to do. There are several sports facilities, and there are dozens of beach clubs offering a variety of food, snacks and beverages. When I was walking on the beach, I encountered this big pan, with the big claws of a red lobster protruding. It was as if this unfortunate lobster was trying its ultimate escape attempt.